The White House announced today that Dr. Jill Biden will convene the first-ever White House Summit on Community Colleges on Tuesday, October 5, 2010. The Summit aims to highlight the critical role that community colleges play in developing America’s workforce and reaching the nation’s educational goals.
The Summit is an opportunity to bring together community colleges, business, philanthropy, federal and state policy leaders, and students to discuss how community colleges can ensure that the U.S. has the most educated workforce in the world, so that American businesses can compete in the global economy.
Community colleges are the largest and fastest growing segment of America’s higher education system enrolling more than eight million students each year. This Administration is making historic investments in a series of new innovations and reforms to expand and strengthen opportunities at America’s community colleges.
The Summit will also enable Americans across the country to submit their thoughts, questions and challenges for discussion as part of the Summit dialogue. The White House has set up a number of ways for the public to participate in the Summit online at www.WhiteHouse.gov/CommunityCollege. Community college students are encouraged to submit their stories about how community college has changed their lives. Educators, administrators, students and stakeholders can also participate in an online dialogue about improving community colleges for the future.
“Community colleges are a key part of our economic vision for the future,” said Dr. Biden. “I see firsthand the power of community colleges to change lives every single day I am in the classroom. I am proud to be part of an Administration that recognizes the value of a community college education and is working to make it more accessible to students across this nation.”
Today’s announcement video features current community college students as well as community college graduates. To watch the video, please go to: www.WhiteHouse.gov/CommunityCollege
Individuals highlighted in the video today include:
* Alexandra de Armas, student, Miami Dade Community College
* Bill E. Green, CEO of Accenture, graduate of Dean College
* Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, graduate of Spoon River Community College
* Jim Lehrer, PBS Newshour, graduate of Victoria Community College
* Sobers Brooks, student, Miami Dade Community College
* Anthony Whitmore, student, Lorain County Community College
The White House said that details about logistics for the Summit on Community Colleges will be released at a later date.
